Lyon confirm Barcelona's approach for Samuel Umtiti

Lyon's French defender Samuel Umtiti (L) vies with Valencia's midfielder Dani Parejo (R) during the Champions League group H football match between Lyon and Valencia on September 29, 2015 at the Gerland stadium in Lyon, central-eastern France.
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Barcelona have taken the first step to sign defender Samuel Umtiti from Lyon, as the French side's president confirms that an official approach has been made.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed that Barcelona have made an approach to sign defender Samuel Umtiti.

The 22-year-old, who was recently called up to the France squad for the upcoming European Championship finals, is thought to be valued at £10m by the French side.

Umtiti, a rumoured summer target for Championship outfit Newcastle United, could now be on his way to Camp Nou after Barca took the first step to land the centre-back.

"Barcelona have approached us about Umtiti about 10 days ago," Aulas told Eurosport. "But there are no negotiations taking place yet. Samuel is not on the verge of leaving the club."

Umtiti, a replacement for the injured Jeremy Mathieu in the France squad, is contracted to Lyon until 2019.

Lyon's French defender Samuel Umtiti (L) vies with Valencia's midfielder Dani Parejo (R) during the Champions League group H football match between Lyon and Valencia on September 29, 2015 at the Gerland stadium in Lyon, central-eastern France.
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